I caught the tail end of a news report the other day on one of our local stations regarding a couple who have had their home on the market for 2 years. As a home stager, this obviously caught my attention. They showed the interior of the home and more specifically the kitchen. Proudly displayed on a wall was a sign that read: Grandma's Kitchen. Evidence, I'm sure, of all the wonderful meals she's made and the ownership of a room where she's spent an incredible amount of time.
So what's the concern? Signs such as this may prohibit buyers from viewing the home as 'their' new home. The same can be said about a child's room tagged as "Emily's Room" or "Jason's Room." These signs of ownership, while cute, go against what the seller is trying to accomplish. The objective when selling your home is to have the buyers envision living there. In summary - remove those cute signs.
Now a blog from Kathy wouldn't be a blog without pictures. So, here are a few "after" pictures of some kitchens staged by Georgia Interior Solutions:
In this picture above, I came close to not using the star above the sink. However, given how the color matched perfectly with the color of the cabinets, I chose to use it. This home received a contract 2 weeks after staging. And... the buyers have asked if they can purchase the star. I'll be de-staging the home this week.
When vacant, the eyes had nothing to rest on resulting in prospective buyers moving quickly through the home. With accessories, you give them reason to pause and absorb what the rooms has to offer. As for the sign by the swan - it reads "Hot Coffee."
Whether vacant or occupied, we have the expertise to help set your home apart from the others on the market. Contact us today for your free in-home estimate on the cost associated with home staging.
Home Staging Atlanta - Kathy Nielsen - 678 522 8392
RESA Professional Stager of the Year - Southern Region 2011
Whether your home is vacant or occupied, this Atlanta Georgia Home Stager, Kathy Nielsen, understands what it takes to sell a home quickly. Her homes have graced the pages of several publications, appeared in TV commercials as well as on HGTV's hit program Sleep On it.
With years of experience and a massive inventory - Kathy makes the perfect choice.
Home Staging Website: Home Staging Atlanta
Before and After Pictures: Atlanta Home Staging Portfolio:
Email: Kathy@HomeStagingAtlanta.com
Blog: Atlanta Home Staging
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Kathy ~ Those types of signs claim ownership, don't they, so I agree that as cute as they may be they should come right down.
I like the way the star filled that space, I'm not surprised they wanted to buy it!
What a beautiful kitchen but I can see without the accessories it would be much less inviting. I love the star! Congrats on helping the seller get an offer so quickly.
Kathy,
Thanks for the post... I agree, some sellers don't think about how their personal 'touches' can make or break a sale!
Jeff Lund
Thanks, Nanette.
Kathy P - I replaced a tray (with a monkey on it) which is the only decorative item the seller had in the whole house. The star was most definitely a better option (smile).
Thanks, Diana. As mentioned, I'll be de-staging the home this week.
Jeff - I'm tempted to use your reply to this post as a title for a new blog: Personal touches can make or break a sale. It's awesome. Thanks for commenting.
Steve - I agree with you!
Thanks, Vicki.
Thanks, Michelle. I try and put as much time as possible into the design plans as they're so critically important.
Charlie - This home has one of the most incredible kitchens I've ever seen. The seller had remodeled the kitchen and armed it with tons of great cabinetry.
Julie - there's a fine line with the quantity of accessories brought into the home. For a contemporary home, I'm inclined to bring less. For a more traditional home, I'll bring in more.
Thanks, Fernando.
Maureen - Not a single Grandma sign in any of them.
Kathy
Karen - I hear you! Avocado colored appliances and formica do scream "make-over." Thanks for commenting.
Kathy
Great staging as always, Kathy. Thanks for sharing the photos and the story behind the star!
Kathy
Thank you, Elaine. I have many a rooster, trust me. And... while on this subject, I can't see a rooster now without thinking of you (smile).
Thanks, Kathy R. I came so close to not using that, it's not even funny. It's great though how things work out.
Kathy
Kathy,
Great advice! Another one worth mentioning is the name on the mailbox or the personalized door knocker. I think those things make a buyer feel disconnected before they get inside.
Kristi - You're right. Thanks for adding those two things.
Janice - C. C. - I love it. Thank you!
Abby - Thank you girly girl!
Kathy
Kathy,
These certainly aren't your Grandma's kitchens!